I live fairly close to our local airport. I love airports. As a child I would go to East Haven Connecticut’s Tweed New Haven Airport, lie on the roof of my parent’s car and watch them take off and land.

I enjoy going over to the Keene airport here where I live just to watch the planes land and take off. There is something about it that intrigues me. It is one thing to see automotive traffic converge at a 4 way intersection but still another to watch planes as they land or take off from the additional dimension of altitude.

So much do I enjoy it I will sometimes sit and “roam” the earth in an airplane in Google Earth, flying over the communities and cities of the world.

 

Each and every time I see an airplane anywhere in the air, I want to just spend a moment and admire it. I love watching the freedom a plane has. Their wonderful ability to flow in response to air currents and speed excites me.

Leading up to this thought process

The last few weeks I would pray for people and time and time again as I would think on them a vision of a lighted runway and air traffic started to appear. I thought that was “unusual” and would pray or talk to God about their situation and ask why. (Even as I am writing this, I see the runway.) I felt the Lord was saying something, even birthing something in me. Over the last week or so the feeling has grown stronger and stronger.

On Saturday of last week, I was invited to meet with a couple of friends. The restaurant was The Dining Table and it is located next to the airfield in town. All morning before I got ready to go there, I heard planes over head. I thought that to be significant. As I went to leave there, following our meal together, the pieces fell into place.

A vision

One night I took my grandson to look at the Christmas light displays about town and I took the road that takes me by the airport. Suddenly I felt a sense of being lifted up and I was soon looking down onto the lit runway. I felt pressure increasing in my mind as I began to see what was being shown. The next few moments caused me to become increasingly aware of how much we have and what we can do with it.

The Lord is showing me what I believe are 10 realities coming into 2014. Each one of these is important. I believe that each and every person has the ability to complete “flights” effortlessly by simply keeping their eyes wide open, their ears tuned to the navigation guidance of the Father and humility and love in their hearts.

These are the 10 realities and what I saw.

• Hangar-A representation of the place of preparation.
• Open doors-The first views of what next steps look like.
• Cleared for takeoff-The opportunity for last minute checks and observations.
• Lift off-One of the two greatest places of tension in our “flight”.
• Time until cruising altitude-Uphill climb against the elements and gravity.
• Cruising Altitude-The place of effortless “flight” and increased vision.
• Destination appearing-The final stretch of a season.
• Prepare to land-The securing of that which has been free.
• Landing-The second place of tension in flight.
• Relax-The process of taxiing in and ending a season.

As we approach the 2014 “heir” (This has been given to you by your Father. You are a co-heir with Christ. Romans 8:17)) field of dreams, those two words; humility and love will be extremely important. We have had enough “midair collisions, damaged aircraft, disastrous landings and errant take-offs” over the last year. We have seen polarization, lack of love and pride cause “aberrant readings” and result in disastrous consequences. (James 4:1-2)

Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. MSG

2013 is left behind us. Don’t let the past interfere with your present or future. Despite the warning on many auto mirrors, “Objects in your mirror may be closer than appear,” that warning does NOT have to be true for believers. We need to recognize that the “accidents” of the past are past and not let them past rob of us of the future. There are no rear view mirrors on aircraft!

Let us approach our destiny and purpose with love and humility.

Hangar

The hangar is representative of the place of preparation. It is the threshing room of prayer and understanding. It is in the hangar that the vessel (Ephesians 2:10 He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing. MSG) is equipped for the flight. The lighting is different here. It is a darker, quieter place. A safer place even. It is where much of the “plane” is laid open. Things are being revealed here. Things are being checked here. Fluid levels (Oil of the Holy Spirit) and tire pressures (Deuteronomy 11:24) to ensure safety and proper flight.

2014 is time of skillful equipping and wise preparation.

Too often immaturity and lack of preparation lead to “mechanical” issues that result in injury, death or destruction.

This is a year where vigilant preparation is important. For those who have not been prepared, the Lord is visiting you to evaluate your “systems”, (Your thoughts, thinking and conditions of your heart.) making changes and adding to your value and longevity. Even for the most seasoned of “flyers” in this next year they will find the value of the hangar. While it is also representative of comfort, God has created us to “fly” and fly we will. Do not push away from understanding. Do not reject that which is necessary. Do not think experience over rides “security” and wise evaluation and “repair.”

He is calling you aside in this time. He has special words and instruction for you and only for you. He is making you whole in this time. Many have seen this as a difficult time in people’s lives but I see this as a fruitful time. God is going deep in your life. This is a time where He is adding peace, great peace to your life.

Open Doors

The door has been opened wide for you in this season. You have pushed against this door, straining, concerned and discouraged. Today the Lord Himself is opening that door. You have seen the door, but as the door opens there is a new vision that is coming.

A cocktail of emotions rise up as your senses are touched. The light is filling your eyes, the air is refreshing, the noise a joy to your ears. As you see yourself in this light, you recognize the value of preparation and understanding. As you slowly inch towards this open door, you leave behind this season of preparation. (Do not think you will not be back. How you leave the “hangar” has a lot of value in how you go the outside. Be careful and honoring of those who have equipped you, who have placed their value and knowledge in you.)

2014 is a door opening season

The horizon is before you. As you pull out of the hangar you see “the runways, the planes and the lights.” “Oh no” you may be thinking.” Which way do I go” and “how do I get there? I thought there was only one way!” “Where do I fit as there are so many.” Confusion may work to set in. But then there is that voice that comes in your ears. Speaking to you! Guiding you to the proper runway. As you move slowly you see the lighted pathways. (Psalm 119:05) Even in darkness there is guidance.

An open door is more than just a way out or a way in. It is the place of transition. Darkness to light, quiet to loud, safety to danger. Like the spies in the wilderness as they entered into the promised land, (Numbers 13) some returned with a different opinion. If God is letting you out, He is making a way. “Taxi in to position and hold.”

Today as you move into the largeness that He has set before you, never give up your communications with Him. For He has promised that He will never “leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5) and therefore your open door is not leaving you without connection.

This is a season where many will move out and while the enemy will seek to confuse I say that THIS DAY the voice of another will not be heard. You are being released into an open area where you will be connected and the instructions you heard will be in your ears. You will soon see the closing off of other voices and other distractions for the Lord is giving you single focus this day. He is placing you into  entered purpose this day.

Cleared For Takeoff

You are nearing the moment. It is here that you view the instrument panels for that final time. You have been waiting for a moment to be cleared for flight. You have taxied out and await the words “Cleared for takeoff.” It is hear you may feel a bit giddy, but this is what you were created for. Your eyes take in the sights and the sounds.

2014 will reveal many who are prepared to fly!

And then the moment comes, “You are cleared for takeoff.” You increase the throttle, viewing the instruments quickly and ready to release the brakes. As the noise of the motor increase and the shaking is there, at a certain point the brakes are released. The plane builds speed as it heads down the runway. Lights and signs begin to blur by and all that is visible is the horizon in front of you.

In past seasons many have come to this place, never to be cleared for takeoff. False starts, faulty preparation and lack of skills have caused many never to leave this place. But this time, I say this time, you are ready to leave, for this is your time, this is your season. This is a new season of grace in your life. Grace is the divine empowerment to release you and keep you from the side lights and barriers, to keep you firmly and securely on the lane of departure. Many are being cleared for takeoff in this season.

Lift off

One of the two greatest places of tension in our “flight” is the place of actual takeoff. This is yet another place of transition. You have reached a very high speed as you have come down the runway and this is the place where an added dimension (Altitude) comes in. As the pull is made on the yoke, the plane’s nose lifts and moments later the plane is airborne. The shaking stops and the earth grows smaller.

Freedom-I believe that is a huge word going into 2014.

Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose-Janis Joplin

How true is that? In the loss of our lives on the cross, co-crucified with Christ we were set free.

The Christmas season brought many people to my mind whom were going through various situations and circumstances. Often times I found myself tearing up over their plights and losses. Their freedom was being denied by sickness, loss and lack. Pain and trouble over various situations were robbing them of the freedom given to us through the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection of Christ, because not only were we co-crucified, but we were co-raised and co-seated with Him. What good is freedom from some thing if it does not loose us and release us to something? (When the Civil War ended and the Emancipation Declaration was empowered, many slaves never left their plantations or left and soon returned to them, because they were not able to accept their freedoms and they had no place to go with their new freedom.

I was reminded of the following scriptures from Isaiah 40:29-31

²⁹ He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

³⁰ Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

³¹ But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

The vestiges of earth’s friction are being removed in many lives in this season. The shaking you have experienced is subsiding, emotions are healing and a proper perspective is being achieved.

In this season you will feel that what once took effort is fast becoming effortless. The slightest wind has the power to move you. You are finding in this new perspective that you are responsive to the moving of the Holy Ghost.

Be aware of the freedom you are receiving, as it is important to achieving the place you are being called to.

Time until cruising altitude

No destiny will ever be achieved without an uphill climb against the elements and gravity.

Power To Be Given In 2014

In 1982 I took flying lessons. (The long hospitalization of my youngest daughter had caused me to want to do something different.) As the plane was brought off the apron and to the end of the runway, there was an excitement. And then the motor revved higher and higher and the brakes released. The power was up. (Anyone who has flown in a jet as it awaits permission to takeoff knows those moments before the jets get louder and the plane shakes wanting to be free.)

You have heard that there is a shaking in the land and that all that can be shaken will be shaken and perhaps that is true. More importantly the shaking is significant of the opportunity to “take off” and be powered up. There is a new wave of power that is being released. For some it will create fear.(Acts 2:43)

As a plane moves to a higher altitude it is a slow process as gravity pulls on the flight. While free from the land itself, there is stress on the plane and a specific angle is sought for maximum speed while climbing. While looking out front the sky is before you and everything is wide open. To the sides the earth continues to get smaller.

This place is often a time of concern for many a believer. Looking ahead they see “wide open” spaces, but the ability to see and get clarity without looking to the side is difficult. “Where am I going? It doesn’t look like what I thought it would.”

You have changed perspectives and the Lord is desirous to give you understanding in this season.

For some this is a familiar place and you will enjoy the ride. But I tell you that while the upward climb is familiar, we are going to see challenges not faced before and yet I say that this is a year of overcoming. Power is coming and “powerful” ministries established. The climb more difficult, but altitude will be achieved much quicker in the coming year. The “I want to get there” attitude is being established.

For the novice and first time “flyer” this may not be what you thought it would be, but I tell you that your equipping was done well. Some will cry out that there are giants in the land and yet I say to you that while there are giants the Lord has given you all authority and the ability to return with “grapes that are so large” that it is simply amazing.

Cruising Altitude

This is the place of effortless “flight” As the plane come to a cruising altitude, the lift changes and the plane levels out. Looking out the windshield you now see a new perspective of the earth. While the earth is smaller and detail reduced, the world is wider and one can see where the pieces fit.

You will see the BIG picture 2014

In this season God is opening the eyes of many, giving new perspective and new vision. The stumbling blocks of small thinking are being removed effortlessly in this hour.

The Lord opened the eyes of a blind man with spittle and clay (John 9:6-11) and sending him to the Pool of Siloam (Meaning to be sent.) to wash off. As eyes are being opened and perspectives changed people are being sent. People being sent to destinations around the earth.

Today as eyes are being opened and visions clear, the ability to rest and enjoy the ride is now in your hands. This is an opportunity for you to look around and see the value of the climb and the value of preparation.

Destination appearing

Indicative of the final stretch of a season is a destination or the fulfillment of a word appearing.

In a plane ride, as one approaches a destination words will begin to come to one’s ears, words of guidance and instruction. One will begin to hear how many minutes from one’s destination, small corrections to be made, bearings given and soon the destination is sighted. On larger planes information will begin as the plane throttles down and begins its descent.

2014 will be a year of reaching destinations.

For many people destinations have evaded them. Words have been given indicating a place or a future promise and yet they have not been fulfilled.

This is a season of fulfillment and promise. This is where hope is now realities. Families restored, jobs received and opportunities reached. For many this is a place they never thought they could be, see or achieve.

Fulfilled dreams are on the horizon. Final checks and corrections to be made. This is it!

Prepare to land

The securing of that which has been free is at hand and seatbelts are buckled. Throttles down and course corrections accomplished. Actual eyes are now viewing the runway. This season is nearly complete. For some they have encountered darkness but even in darkness the runway is lit up. Others have run into turbulence and challenges.

A quiet begins to overcome the plane as it begins a silenced glide. The earth comes into view and details are being revealed.

2014 is significant for seasons ending and new ones beginning.

People, places and things are changing. Values added and distractions are being swept aside in this hour. You may or may not even be aware of the changes. You may have thought “why the delay” but as the Lord connects you to new places and new things keep your eye on the ball. Many things will quickly happen. Once again, single focus will be required. The upcoming “landing” is the second greatest source of tension in the flight.

You will soon meet new people, see new places and see revealed new opportunities and strategies. Descent does not signify failure, for this is a place where humility is required and love tested. New opportunities require new perspectives, new details and new thinking.

Landing

The second greatest place of tension in flight is the landing. Transition time yet again. This is it. Wheels are down and final approach is being made to the runway designated to you. Hands are on the yoke and the throttles readied. As the runway speeds towards you and minor corrections may be required, there is that moment where the speed of the plane is not enough to keep it in the air and it stalls, dropping to the runway. Tires screech as they meet the asphalt, little puffs of smoke appearing. In large planes, thrust reversal will come into play after the touch down.

2014 is a year of arrival

This is your time and this is your season. You have walked through the other steps and this landing in a new season while tensions may climb will be a time of advancement and new opportunity. God has loved you too much to allow you to stay where you have been. He has created you for good works and through this season you will hear His voice in a new and refreshing away.

 You are back on the firmament and there is a stability you have reached. You are readied for this season and while things slow down details are being gained. As you taxi past the lighted path you have come into a new season of rest.

Relax

The process of taxiing in and ending a season. You have made it. In a few moments you will be directed to shut off your engines after returning to the hangar doors.

2014 brings an end to a season and opens another anew. It is a time of rest.

This is a season of rest that is being brought to the body of Christ. Not just the entry into His rest, but an actual rest orchestrated by God Himself. Many will find a peace that has not previously existed, calmness not before experienced. This season is a season of regrouping and regaining new ground. Previous experience will not necessarily be needed in this time. I see love being restored and hearts healed and wounds closed.

For truly in 2014 we are in the midst of an experience we have oft dreamed of but thought hopeless. Many will see vision restored and dreams breathed upon afresh.

For in this season, a new destination will be set for destinations are a part of destiny, yet your destiny is not a destination but a process of God found in purpose and calling.

Closing thoughts.

When I was a child I loved to surprise my dad (Well, my mom too, but my dad was way more fun.) Many were the morning that I would leave my warm bed when I heard my dad go in the bathroom to shave. I would hear him lather his face and begin to shave, tapping the wet razor on the edge of the sink. That was my cue to head out into the living room. Pulling the chair away from my parent’s large “ball and claw” desk I would crawl in the cubby hole, pulling the chair in behind me.

Soon my dad would return usually having getting my mother her cup of coffee. I would sit there and listen to their conversations, sometimes hopes and dreams, others about daily chores or needs. At some point I would start laughing or my moving the chair would startle them.  They would come over pulling the chair out and invite me into their conversation.

Just as I watched my parents God has watched you. He has been in the “living room” of your life and you may not have noticed, but He was there. He was always there. As you sat at your dining room table and brought your cares and your concerns to Him, He was moving things, sometimes even laughing at the enemy’s attempt to unsettle you. His response upon your invitation is to join you at the table of communion. It is in this intimate place where you gain victory.

For at this table you are reminded of His goodness, His wholeness in you and the knowledge of lacking nothing.

In this year of 2014 may you see the victory of the One who loves you!

 

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